6. A WISH LIST FOR THE WORLD SPACE OBSERVATORY-UV
In the context of what we have discussed above, the WSO-UV
will undoubtedly impact our knowledge on the UV properties of evolved
populations. With its large aperture (as compared to its UV predecesors)
and enhanced detectors sensitivities will:
Significantly increase the quality (and quantity) of stars enabling us
to construct a robust empirical database. As quoted by
Chavez et al. (2007)
the IUE stellar library has prevailed as the
most complete for the analyses of stellar aggregates. We, however, badly
need to cope with the pausity in the coverage of the
parameter space, particularly the metallicities.
- Increase the number of globular clusters (and old
open clusters) to re-test the adequacy of SSP models. Of fundamental
importance will be to empirically judge the effects of non solar-scaled
abundances and to better assess the impact of the horizontal branch
morphology on mid-UV spectroscopic indices.
- Cast light on the nature of the objects giving
rise to the far-UV up-turn. At this wavelength the IUE-archive includes
a rather small number of elliptical galaxies and none with data of
enough quality to firmly establish the chemical composition of the
undelying population of hot stars in these systems.
MC is pleased to aknowledge the organizing committee for the invitation
to attend the conference UV Universe 2010 and for partial
financial support. MC and EB would like to thank financial support from
CONACyT through the grant 49231-E.